Abstract: An interchange for improving vehicular traffic flow through an intersection of surface streets includes a cross-shaped bridge supported over the intersection at a height to allow through traffic to proceed underneath. Crossed arms of the bridge are mutually aligned with the intersecting surface streets and carry four turning lanes each having an entrance end on one arm and an exit end on an adjacent arm for turning traffic arriving at the entrance end through a center-turning 90.degree. curve before leaving the exit end. Four up-ramps, one aligned with the entrance end of each turning lane, convey onto the bridge left-turning traffic from a respective surface street, and four down-ramps, one aligned with the exit end of each turning lane and located adjacent to an up-ramp, convey traffic proceeding along a turning lane back to ground level for merging with surface street through traffic proceeding through the intersection.

Abstract: A highway system for vehicular traffic which includes an intersection between a main road and a secondary road, each having two traffic directions separated by a center line. The main road has a barrier along its main section for preventing direct crossing by traffic from the second road, and bypasses for each traffic direction. It further has barriers for directing traffic into the bypasses. A further barrier defines a return stretch of the bypass, the return stretch not having a barrier and being such as to permit merging of the two opposite directions of the main road traffic.

Abstract: A thermochromatic road marker reflector is provided including a highway marker. A thermochromatic material is mounted on the marker for changing colors in response to a change in temperature.

Abstract: The invention effectively multiplies a roadway vertically by allowing automobiles to travel on top of each other. Each section of the invention is a pre-fabricated reinforced concrete multi-level roadway structure that covers an existing lane of traffic on a roadway. The invention is easily cast, transported, assembled and moved, as needed. The cover of the lower roadway forms the roadway of the upper lane of traffic. The bottom section of the invention is made up of two "Jersey-type" barriers which have vertical columns that then support the upper roadway section. The upper section of the invention contains "Jersey-type" barriers for safety.

Abstract: Traffic guide constructions at road intersections to provide smooth traffic flows thereof and the methods of traffic control with these traffic guide constructions mainly include overhead bridges and/or underground tunnels extending in parallel to a main road and one or more branch road intersecting with the main road to cross the intersections thereof so as to avoid traffic jams thereat. Cars may move on the main and the branch roads straight forward without being interrupted at the intersections. Cars moving on the main and the branch roads can make turns to either sides by using the tunnels under the overhead bridges or the turnarounds above the underground tunnels to avoid interfering with the cars moving straight forward and causing any traffic jams at the intersections.

Abstract: A right hand traffic intersection at grade of four roadways and method of directing vehicles to cross an intersection center bidirectionally along two opposed roadways in Phase 1, along the other two roadways in Phase 2, and to make simultaneous protected left- or U-turns from all four roadways, with through-traffic stopped, in Phase 3 of a 3-phase signal cycle. Two left turn passages in each roadway located between incoming and outgoing main lanes terminate at the intersection center at two locations, cross at an interchange zone some distance from the center and connect to the main lanes yet farther from the center. Vehicles making a left turn enter the center from the left passage whereas traffic arriving from a left turn enter the right passage. This keeps all left turn tracks in the center apart. Traffic signals control traffic at the intersection center and interchange zones. The design and methodology for a three-roadway, "T"-shaped, intersection is similar.

Abstract: A reinforced precast construction includes a generally panel-shaped reinforced concrete structural unit having a relatively flat upper surface adapted to support vehicles thereon and opposing ends configured to be positioned in abutting end-to-end contact and in abutting side-to-side contact. One of the opposing ends includes a horizontally extending gasket so that, when abutted against an adjacent identical article in an elongated arrangement, the abutting opposing ends sealingly engage the seal. Connectors are attached to the structural unit in positions so that they align and are interconnectable with fasteners to hold the structural unit to an adjacent previously laid structural unit. In one form, the precast structural units are adapted to rest on parallel beams to form a bridge construction, and include locators for locating the precast structural units horizontally on the beams.

Abstract: A transportation system and method for rider propelled vehicles, such as bicycles, is disclosed, the system including a covered structure having a surface for movement thereover of the vehicle. Air is moved through the structure in a direction and at a selected velocity sufficient to aid movement of a vehicle through the structure. Relative elevations of the surface of the structure between entrance thereto and exit therefrom are selectable independently from ground grades found at the site of system installation.

Abstract: A technique for applying high strength fiber fabric to strengthen beams and the connection between beams and either supported platforms or supporting vertical columns is disclosed. Fabric made of high strength fibers such as glass, boron, or carbon, is laid over the connection between a beam and a platform, or between a beam and a supporting column, and impregnated with an epoxy resin or other polymer matrix. The fabric may be additionally fastened to the structural member using adhesives, fabric fasteners, or bolts. The invention is particularly well suited for retrofitting bridges, freeway overpasses, parking structures, and the like to prevent failure during an earthquake.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle transportation system (AVTS) is installed on a long or super long bridge in order to lighten and permit elongation of the entire bridge structure. The transportation system includes mode converting interchanges, automatic transportation lanes, trucks or pallets on which vehicles are mobilized, garages for trucks or pallets, converting lanes for trucks or pallets, merging and diverging ramps, toll gates, embarkation entrances and disembarkation exits, a fiber optic cable and a control center. In this innovative design, solar cells, a beat pump, bicycle paths, motorcycle paths, a green zone, shops and walkways for people may be located on the bridge floor. It is also possible to install the automatic vehicle transportation system inside the box girder or the lower deck of a truss girder without polluting the inside air of the girder.

Abstract: A transportation system and method for rider propelled vehicles, such as bicycles, is disclosed, the system including a covered structure having a surface for movement thereover of the vehicle. Fan units are provided to move air through the structure in a direction and at a selected velocity sufficient to aid movement of a vehicle through the structure. The structure is covered and is configured so that relative elevations of the surface of the structure between entrance thereto and exit therefrom are selectable independently from ground grades found at the site of system installation and thus with minimum disruption of the site.

Abstract: An elevatable automobile turn-around system for use and association with various automobiles transport structures, the apparatus comprising: a lift having an upper segment, a lower segment and a central segment therebetween, the upper and lower segments formed in a planar configuration, the central segment including a motorized device to move the upper segment vertically upward and downward, the motorized means being powerful enough to lift the weight of an automobile; and a turntable formed in a generally planar configuration with an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface having coupling devices to securely retain a vehicle thereupon, the lower portion of the turntable including motorized pivot means for rotating the upper surface up to one hundred and eighty degrees, the apparatus permitting the user to elevate and rotate a vehicle as required by the particular transport structure utilized therewith.

Abstract: A portable halfpipe and method for quickly constructing the same is disclosed. The portable halfpipe includes a left arcuate module, a right arcuate module, and preferably, an intermediate planar module therebetween. Quick release connectors are used between the modules to allow the modules to be quickly connected and disconnected. Ideally, the quick release connector is a rotolock which includes a male portion having a rotatably mounted hook therein and a receiving post mounted in a cooperating female portion. The male and female portions are affixed in modules to be joined together. The engagement of the hook with the receiving post causes the modules to abut and clamp together. The method includes abutting modules together and rotating hooks to grasp receiving members thereby clamping the modules together.

Abstract: A road intersection comprising a main road having at least two traffic lanes in each direction and an inside and an outside lane in each direction having parallel center lines, and a secondary road having at least one traffic lane in each direction intersecting said main road. There is provided a traffic island in the intersection extending parallel to and disposed between the inside lanes of the main road so as to block the lanes of the secondary road. A pair of opposed detour roads is disposed on either side of the intersection, and each detour road is located vertically above or below the main road in a manner such that the land space lying vertically under each detour road is substantially within the boundaries of the land space lying vertically under the main road.

Abstract: A method for coordinating traffic signals on a roadway network, preferably of the Multiple Loop System type. The method is also suitable for superimposing on existing grid-like systems of avenues and crossing streets. Two phase traffic-signals, red and green, of equal duration are employed at the roadway intersections. The duration of each phase of the signal cycle is determined as the estimated time for a vehicle to travel from one crossing avenue to the next adjacent crossing avenue. Where the method of signalization is employed on an MLS system, the phase duration is the "estimated time" of a vehicle to travel, first along an endless loop segment, starting at a first intersecting roadway so as to cross the next interconnecting roadways, (ta) times two, and, then, along an interconnecting roadway, from a first endless loop segment to the adjacent endless loop segment (tb).

Abstract: A method for routing traffic along a divided highway having a plurality of crossovers between respective sides originally intended for travel in first and second directions which includes providing a first plurality of signs for traffic going in the first direction prior to at least a first crossover; providing at least a first sign at least said first crossover for traffic proceeding in the first direction; providing a second plurality of signs for traffic proceeding in the first direction after the crossover; providing the same first plurality of signs for traffic going in the second direction prior to the crossover; providing the same first sign at said first crossover for traffic proceeding in the second direction; and providing the same first plurality of signs for traffic proceeding in the second direction after the crossover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road excavation and paving system having a main bridge section and ramp sections attached thereto for allowing traffic to continuously flow to and from the old highway and to and from the new highway. The old highway is reconstructed under the main bridge section. Crossovers are necessary to allow cross traffic over the old and new highways. The system has a plurality of movable pads connected by hydraulic pistons to the main bridge section for incrementally moving the system while the old road is being excavated and rebar is being laid on the new surface. After the rebar has been laid down, cement may be poured and the road finished to provide a continuous system for excavating and constructing the new highway. There is a continuous flow of traffic over the system while the old highway is being excavated and the new highway is being built.

Abstract: A system for controlling vehicles and pedestrians on intersecting one-way roadways. Vehicles on a first one-way street are only allowed, with a "go" signal to either cross the intersection and continue on the street or to turn onto the intersecting one-way street. The vehicles on the intersecting, second one-way street are stopped while vehicles on the first street are moving. During this time pedestrians are allowed to cross in front of the stopped vehicles on the second one-way street. Then, when the light changes, the vehicle traffic on the second one-way street are only allowed to turn onto the first one-way street, i.e., they are blocked from crossing the intersection and continuing onto the second one-way street. During this time, the vehicles on the first one-way street are blocked, too, from entering the intersection.

Abstract: A continuous flow intersection for accommodating traffic from a plurality of road surfaces includes a first road surface for traffic traveling in a first direction. A second road surface is provided for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the first direction. A third road surface is provided for traffic traveling in a direction intersecting the first and second road surfaces. A fourth road surface is provided for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the traffic traveling on the third road surface. The first and second road surfaces intersect the third and fourth road surfaces and are disposed at a first elevation distinct relative to the third and fourth road surfaces in an area adjacent to the intersection. At least a first road surface left turn lane is disposed along the first road surface at a point displaced a predetermined distance from the intersection.

Abstract: A moving type three-dimensional road which can travel to a region where road surface repair work is to be carried out, includes a working road constituent unit associated with a traveling device and a plurality of access road constituent units associated with traveling devices. The working road constituent unit includes a horizontal floor plate disposed above and supported by a plurality of extensible/retractible support legs to form a working space thereunder. The access road constituent units are connected to the opposite ends of the working road constituent unit, and each includes an inclined floor plate disposed above and supported by a plurality of extensible/retractible support legs.

Abstract: An intersection of a main road and a branch road is described. A safety island is provided longitudinally parallel to the main road at the center line of the intersection. The safety island prevents cars from the branch road to cross the intersection. Circular detour roads beneath or above the main road are provided for traffic circulation. Underground passages for motorcycles and pedestrians may be provided beneath the intersection to eliminate interference with car traffic. Cars on the inner lane of the main roadway then can proceed through the intersection without interruption.

Abstract: A crossroad includes two roads intersected with each other. One of the roads is level and straight, and the other road is provided with a pair of second dimensional passages, such as tunnels, subways or elevated roadways, each with a respective bypass merging into one side thereof. The entrance of each passage is provided adjacent to and a short distance from the level road. The exit of each passage is provided adjacent to the opposite side of the level road.

Abstract: A modular overpass that uses interlockable roadway units. These interlockable units include ramp units adapted for fitting together to create entry and exit ramps having a low end and a raised end, cantilever units for attachment to the raised ends of the ramps, and suspended span units for joining the cantilever units. Flexible footings are provided to support the roadway units. The flexible footings comprise a resilient base, a covering cap sealably fitted over the base to define a cavity, and a packable bearing material partially filling the cavity. A system of pilings are used to anchor the roadway units in position. The system can be used to create an overpass over intersections between highways and secondary roads so that highway traffic travels over the overpass and local secondary road traffic is controlled by traffic lights. The modular overpass is shaped to conform to the existing highway surface and is supported on that surface by the flexible footings.

Abstract: A road traffic network wherein the fundamental "building block" is an endless loop of one way traffic flow, a second endless loop of one-way traffic flow completely surrounded by the first endless loop and having traffic flow opposite in direction to the traffic flow direction of the first loop and an interconnecting traffic flow roadway extending between the two loops. The interconnecting roadway merges the traffic seeking to transfer between the two loops such that no vehicle crossovers or intersections are encountered. A road traffic network can be made from a plurality of interconnected "building blocks" or traffic flow systems, each such system being interconnected with either a single two-way roadway or two one-way roadways which, again, allow vehicle transfers between portions of the systems without crossovers or intersections.

Abstract: A continuous flow cloverleaf type interchange for accommodating traffic from a plurality of road surfaces which includes a first road surface for traffic traveling in a first direction, a second road surface for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the first direction, a third road surface for traffic traveling in a direction intersecting the first and second road surfaces, and a fourth road surface for traffic traveling in a direction opposite to the traffic traveling on the third road surface. The first and second road surfaces intersect and are disposed at a first elevation distinct relative to the third and fourth road surfaces in an area adjacent to an interchange. The first road surface left turn lane diverts traffic from the first road surface to cross the second road surface prior to the interchange and to continue traveling in a direction opposite to the second road surface in an area displaced laterally from the first road surface.

Abstract: A warning system for multi-lane roadways comprising a group of strips placed longitudinally across only the left-most lane of the roadway as referenced by a person facing in the designated direction of traffic flow.

Abstract: An improved construction of a movable bridge structure which comprises a plurality of segment block means consisting of at least one self-propelled block means and at least one non-propelled block means adapted to be coupled releasably with the adjacent self-propelled block means, and translating means adapted to have the non-propelled block translated onto and out of the adjacent self-propelled block means.

Abstract: In a road intersection unrestrained by traffic signal controllers the intersection is classified into a central zone and into interchange zones providing for better safety on the road and for continuous flow of traffic. All entrances and exits are placed in the interchange zones. Further, the interchange zones include overpasses for interchanging the position of lanes before they enter the central zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roadway for dual-mode vehicles with a transition region from non-trackbound to trackbound traffic. On the roadway used as an entering roadway, the transverse guide bar on the driver's side, in the area of the transition region, is extended further into the area of the roadway, which can be used non-trackbound, than the oppositely located transverse guide bar, which is widened slightly funnel-like. The two transverse guide bars of the opposite roadway, which can be used for exiting, end at a mutually equal level. To create an adequately large transverse distance between the roadways in the area where the vehicles filter in, the roadway which can be used as an entering roadway runs with a slight bulge in the area of the transition region; moreover, this provides the possibility of a further adjoining roadway.

Abstract: A traffic flow distribution interchange that provides non-stop and streamlined flow of freeway traffic along two crossing routes, and that occupies a relatively small amount of land area. The freeway interchange comprises a non-elevated route and an elevated crossing route which passes over the non-elevated route. Each route is substantially straight and provides traffic flow in two directions. The elevated and non-elevated routes are linked directly by four traffic flow paths along which vehicles can make right-hand turns from one route to the other. The elevated and non-elevated routes are linked indirectly by four additional traffic flow paths comprising configured ramps along which vehicles can make left-hand turns from one route to the other. These configured ramps pass under the elevated route and cross each other, providing unimpeded traffic flow.

Abstract: An arch is formed of prefabricated reinforced concrete shells connected at the arch apex by an on-site cast concrete joint is built as a skewed underpass structure. In order to avoid complicated edge elements or a costly lengthening of the underpass, the individual reinforced concrete shells are formed to have their horizontal projection (in the horizontal projection of an assembled underpass) define a parallelogram which includes at least one acute angle which correspond to the acute angle formed by the intersection of the axis of the overpass traffic route with the axis of the underpass traffic route. Thus, edge elements are not necessary. An apex joint is formed of on-site cast concrete. Reinforcement rods extend into the apex joint and are arranged in an asymmetrical manner so that all elements can be designed and reinforced in the same manner with the reinforcement rods in the joint meeting directly.

Abstract: An interchange system serving elevated railways and roadways intersecting each other, which system comprises a rotary possessing of a cylindrical plaza at the center thereof and an annular bus stop compound along the periphery of the plaza, a railcar platform above the rotary, interconnecting passages between the plaza, the bus stop compound and the railcar platform and tunnel-like passages dug across under the rotary to reduce a difference between the levels of the plaza and pedestrian paths formed along the opposite sides of the roadways, thereby to ensure the safety and convenience of pedestrians.

Abstract: A vehicle carrying railway car including a plurality of vertically spaced decks having at least one hinged deck section adapted to be raised for facilitating the loading of vehicles onto the car. The hinged deck has shrouds that are supported and aligned by inter-reactive foot elements which are constantly shielded by the shrouds preventing injury to workmen moving the deck between its respective raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a hinged deck portion of a vehicle-carrying auto-rack railway car utilizing a first-class lever to counterbalance the deck end portion. A spring load is provided by a Belleville spring pack of novel, compact construction which has a substantially constant spring-force versus deflection curve such that manual manipulation of the hinged deck by operating personnel is facilitated during loading and unloading of the auto-rack car.

Abstract: A three dimensional toy having a base member showing a housing development with structural profile members mounted thereon which are secured by profile locking elements for constructing elevations of roadways, lots and surrounding terrain. The profile members and locking elements also serve as retaining walls for soil which, when shaped to conform to the contours of the profile members and locking elements and provided with living plants defines the topography of a living housing development.

Abstract: A bridging structure of modular elements to carry road or rail traffic over crossings, bodies of water and as elevated roadways to provide additional lanes over and parallel to existing roads and freeways, and to provide elevated roadways along and over canals and rivers. Mainly intended to provide quickly assembled and relative inexpensive overpasses and constant flow traffic lanes for a certain part of the traffic, leaving more space for heavier traffic at the existing ground levels, and reducing pollution and fuel consumption from idling engines.

Abstract: An elevated dual-rail transit guideway in which the structural spanning members are shaped so as to serve also as baffles for suppressing the propagation of noise into the surroundings. The interior surface of the baffles may be treated with sound absorbing material to further improve their effectiveness.

Abstract: An adjustable ramp includes a ramp member supported in an adjustable suspensory frame. Adjustment of the suspensory frame changes the angle of incidence of the ramp member to the supporting surface on which the ramp is located. A resilient ramp member is provided in one embodiment which is maintained in curvilinear, flexed attitude on the supporting frame by the moveable connections of said ramp member to said suspensory frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for the traversal of an air boat or hovercraft over river dams consisting of a two-sided ramp having an upper and lower end. The ramp is constructed in a river extending over a dam. The upper end of the ramp is located upstream of the dam and the lower end of the ramp is located downstream of the dam. Both the upper and lower ends of the ramp are at least partially submerged to permit easy access by a hovercraft. The angle of intersection of the lower end of the ramp with the water, of the upper end of the ramp with the water, and of the upper and lower ends of the ramp is made large enough so that a commercial hovercraft can traverse thereover. In one embodiment of the invention, side flanges are provided extending along the ramp to prevent an air boat once upon the ramp from passing prematurely to either side.

Abstract: To prevent longitudinal displacement of the support or catenary cable and the load carrying, tensioned cable of the suspension system, the spacers or hangers between the catenary or support cable and the carrier cable, as well as the suspension and tension of these cables, are so arranged that, in side view, the two cables touch each other at the midpoint between the pylon to provide for equalization of tension in the cables. At that position, a tension or force equalization plate is clamped to both the support cable as well as to the carrier cable, thereby preventing relative longitudinal displacement of the cables with respect to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for suspending lighting fittings and the like along or at traffic-routes and the like, comprising lines carried by standards and intended to carry or support the lighting fittings. The novelty lies in that the standards and the lines form two separate systems, wherein the line system is continuous along the traffic-route and releasably connected to the standard system so that the line system substantially remains in its elevated position even if part of the standard system is removed on e.g. a standard being struck by a vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an aerial roadway comprised of prefabricated, cantilevered deck modules; and supporting columns, interlockingly mounted on and monolithically attached to prefabricated, prestressed, post-tensioned spinal beams supported on columns; an elevated roadway comprised of prefabricated cantilevered deck modules monolithically attached to a supporting wall; and a grade-level roadway comprised of deck modules monolithically attached to a foundation located at grade level. The deck modules are provided with integral layers of porous, bituminous paving material which provide a continuous, smooth, water-permeable running surface. Vehicles are directed along the aerial elevated and ground-level roadways by guide wheels depending from the vehicles and impinging on the guide beam fixed to the deck modules. A modification of the cantilevered deck modules provides aerial, elevated and ground-level roadways for transportation systems employing relatively small, light vehicles.

Abstract: A light weight locking structure for a suspended ceiling construction of T-shaped strip grid profile bars supportively engaged by nodal plates having radiating arms in which the arms terminate in upwardly bent locking projections, and the profile bars are provided with slots in the cross-bar of the T for cooperatively receiving the locking projections of the associated arm. After engagement of the locking projections in the slots of the respective profile bar, the projections are bent over to rigidly lock the profile bars to the nodal plate.

Abstract: A street pattern is disclosed including a honeycomb pattern of traffic arteries; pedestrian passageways under the streets; unique artery dividing median means and public transit facilities between adjacent honeycomb legs.

Abstract: The course to be followed by a motorist having a preselected destination is indicated by a plurality of markers set in the center of the path to be followed by the motorist, each set of markers having a different color to correspond to a different preselected destination.